Noel Rock (Dublin North West, Fine Gael)
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128. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if funding will be provided to the OPW to complete renovation works to the cactus house and the giant waterlily house in the National Botanic Gardens; if funding will be provided for more botanical science staff in the gardens in view of the fact that it has two members of staff, which is a low figure compared with other botanical gardens here and in the UK; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41348/17]

Kevin Moran (Longford-Westmeath, Independent)
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Restoration of glasshouses at the National Botanic Gardens has been ongoing since 1995, during which time Richard Turner's Curvilinear Range (which won a Europa Nostra Award), the Great Palm House and the Teak House have each been meticulously and painstakingly restored by the Office of Public Works.

The Waterlily house forms the centrepiece of the remaining glasshouse range (which includes the Cactus House) yet to be restored. It was designed by Duncan Ferguson and built in 1854. Its closure to the public in 2010 was due to its perilous state. While a certain amount of planning has been done to inform a restoration of the Waterlily House and Cactus House, no funding source for this project has as yet been identified. Work is continuing in this regard.

The National Botanic Gardens has housed the National Herbarium since 1970. In 2006 the staffing level of the Herbarium was raised from four employees to six. Unfortunately the moratorium on recruitment and promotion in the Civil Service has meant that of the 4 vacancies that arose during this period (through resignation, a death in service, promotion and career break) none could be refilled. It is hoped to advertise soon for a Taxonomist, a welcome step in increasing the scientific staffing and expertise at the National Botanic Gardens.